In a major development related to the election fraud allegations, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka on 7 August, sought a signed declaration from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the issue.

The letter has been sent to Rahul Gandhi in this regard, following a meeting between Indian National Congress (INC) leaders and the CEO, as well as the press conference addressed by Rahul Gandhi in Delhi regarding the alleged election fraud.

The CEO stated in the letter, “As far as the conduct of elections is concerned, election results can be questioned only by way of Election Petition before the High Court. It is understood that during the press conference held today (August 7), you (Rahul Gandhi) mentioned the inclusion of ineligible electors and exclusion of eligible electors in the Electoral Rolls.” “You are kindly requested to sign and submit the declaration/oath under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, along with the name(s) of such electors so that necessary proceedings can be initiated,” the CEO stated.

The declaration/Oath provided by the State Chief Electoral Officer reads, “I, Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament, do here by solemnly affirm and state on oath that the statement I am to make under Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, concerning name of persons whose name is proposed for inclusion/exclusion and other details are true to the best of my knowledge.” The format states, “I am aware that making a false declaration in connection with electoral rolls is a punishable offence under Section 31 of the RP Act, 1950. I also understand that giving false evidence is punishable under Section 227 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.” The format further requires Rahul Gandhi to declare that he is not an elector of the said constituency. Rahul Gandhi should declare that he has personal knowledge relevant to this case and is making this statement voluntarily, the Karnataka EC said.

The CEO also stated in the letter, “Time had been sought for the delegation of the INC to meet the CEO of Karnataka to submit a memorandum. Accordingly, a time between 1 pm and 3 pm on August 8 (Friday) is confirmed.” He said the electoral rolls are prepared transparently, as per the Representation of the People’s Act, 1950, the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time. The latest electoral rolls were shared with the representatives of the INC, such as ‘Draft Electoral Rolls, 2025 ‘ Final Electoral Rolls, 2025. After final publication, the number of 1st appeals filed by INC with concerned DMs is ‘Nil’. Number of 2nd level appeals filed by INC with the CEO, Karnataka are ‘Nil’,” the CEO said. Rahul Gandhi held a press conference in Delhi on Thursday, explaining how the alleged election fraud occurred in the Mahadevapura Assembly seat in Bengaluru during the Lok Sabha election.

-IANS

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The post Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Seeks Signed Declaration From Rahul Gandhi Over Election Fraud Allegations In Mahadevapura appeared first on The Commune.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on 7 July 2025 categorically denied claims made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The ECI described Kharge’s assertions — including that the rules had been changed to allow voter registration without supporting documents as “misleading”.

Kharge had alleged via a post on social media platform X that the BJP, in coordination with the Election Commission, was executing a “master plan” to deprive crores of voters in Bihar especially from marginalized communities of their franchise rights. He claimed that the process had been diluted under pressure and that “now only a form has to be filled” without the need to show any documents. Kharge further accused the BJP of attempting to “crush democracy” by manipulating voter lists ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. He wrote, “With the cooperation of the Election Commission, the master plan that BJP had devised to deprive crores of people in Bihar of their voting rights now seems to be ensnaring the BJP itself. From the very first day, the Congress Party has been raising its voice against the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR). Why are people who have been voting election after election being asked to show documents for voting? Forcibly depriving the poor, weak, deprived, Dalit, oppressed, and backward people of their voting rights is the very conspiracy of BJP-RSS. Nearly 8 crore people will suffer because of this. The responsibility to correct the voter list lies with the ECI, not the public. When the pressure from the opposition, the public, and Civil Society increased, the Election Commission hurriedly published these advertisements today, which state that now only a form needs to be filled, and showing documents is not necessary. This is part of the BJP’s tactic to mislead and confuse the public. The truth is that the BJP has decided it will crush democracy at all costs. But when faced with public opposition, it cleverly takes a step back. Bihar is the birthplace of democracy. The people of Bihar will surely respond to this BJP attack on democracy and the Constitution in the upcoming elections.”

भाजपा ने चुनाव आयोग के सहयोग से, बिहार में करोड़ों लोगों का वोटिंग का अधिकार छीनने का जो मास्टर प्लॉन बनाया था, उसमें अब भाजपा खुद फँसती नज़र आ रही है।

पहले दिन से ही, कांग्रेस पार्टी Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) के ख़िलाफ़ आवाज़ उठा रही है।

जो लोग… pic.twitter.com/wtfbEDZWOx

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 6, 2025

However, the Election Commission issued a firm rebuttal. “The claim made in this post, that no document is required and only filling the form is sufficient, is misleading,” the ECI stated in a fact-check published on its official X account. There is no change in the instructions. SIR is being conducted as per the orders dated 24.06.2025.”

#ECIFactCheck

See details in image below

Stay Tuned, Stay Informed.

Link to #SIR order dated 24th June 2025 : https://t.co/Lh6Zuue1U9 https://t.co/wfrTa9MPrF pic.twitter.com/rwBd3kl0fh

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) July 7, 2025

No Changes to Rules, Documents Still Mandatory

As per the ECI’s official order dated 24 June 2025, voters in Bihar must submit an enumeration form before 25 July 2025, to be included in the draft electoral roll, which is scheduled for publication on 1 August 2025. While supporting documents are not required at the time of form submission, they must still be provided either before 25 July 2025 or during the claims and objections period.

The ECI emphasized that there has been no relaxation of requirements, and the rules remain fully in force. The Commission urged the public to ignore false claims and to rely only on officially published information. “One should be cautious of the statements being made by some people, who are trying to confuse the public with their false and misleading statements, without reading the SIR order,” the Commission stated.

The SIR process, currently underway in Bihar ahead of the state elections, is being carried out with full legal authority. The ECI reported that by the evening of 6 July 2025, over 1.69 crore forms (21.46%) had been collected, and 7.25% had already been uploaded to ECINET. The form distribution phase is nearing completion.

To ensure voter awareness, the EC has deployed over 77,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), 4 lakh volunteers, and 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) nominated by all political parties. The Commission stated that it is constitutionally bound to maintain an accurate and inclusive electoral roll and that the SIR is aimed at identifying both eligible and ineligible voters through proper verification.

(With inputs from News18)

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The post ECI Refutes Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s False Claims On Bihar Voter List Revision; No Change In Rules, Documents Still Required appeared first on The Commune.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a detailed and pointed response to the Congress’ allegations regarding a sharp surge in voter turnout during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The statement, coming after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed Rahul Gandhi’s concerns in a public post, dismisses the claims as unfounded and politically motivated, while also questioning the procedural conduct of the Congress leadership.

Sources within the ECI said that despite making serious public allegations, Rahul Gandhi has not approached the Commission formally. “Even after two days of making his baseless assertions, Rahul Gandhi has not sent any complaint or letter, nor has he requested an appointment to meet the ECI. Why?” the source asked.

Sources described the silence as a lack of intent to engage constructively. The Commission clarified that the Congress party had already received a formal reply to its earlier queries on December 24, 2024. This response, according to the ECI, is publicly available on its official website, contradicting claims of a lack of transparency. Refuting the charges of deliberate opacity in the electoral roll process, the ECI advised District Congress Presidents to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at every polling booth and actively participate in the annual process of electoral roll updates, sources said.

The Commission sources added that it has been conducting training programmes for BLAs of all political parties at its dedicated training institute and encouraged the Congress to make full use of these opportunities to avoid any “misconceptions”. The sources further asserted that if the Congress chooses not to engage in the roll revision process, it should at least trust the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) appointed by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

These officials, the ECI sources noted, function as part of a statutory framework to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the electoral rolls. The EC sources also reminded the public that the preparation of electoral rolls, conduct of polls, and counting of votes are overseen by statutory authorities such as the ERO, Presiding Officer (PRO), and Returning Officer (RO), all of whom work under the ECI’s constitutional mandate under Article 324. Ultimately, it stressed, it is the voters who decide the outcome of elections, not the administrative process. In a strongly worded final remark, ECI sources took aim at what they described as a pattern of political deflection by the Congress.

They said any party preparing for electoral outcomes should do so in the political domain, not by “fighting the referee”. The Commission sources concluded, “The electors of India are intelligent enough to understand why the INC (Indian National Congress) keeps fighting the referee whenever it loses an election.”

–IANS

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Bangladesh’s Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Masud on Monday stated that the Awami League will not be able to participate the General Elections. The Muhammad Yunus-led administration had issued an official notification on 12 May, banning the Awami League party and its affiliated bodies from conducting activities online and elsewhere.

According to the Election Commissioner, the acceptability of conducting election without the participation of Awami League cannot be stated. Masud made the comment while addressing a workshop titled ‘Review of Voters Lists for the upcoming General Elections’ at the Regional Public Administration Training Centre (RPATC) in Rajshahi. The Election Commission, it was detailed, is working to conduct elections in June 2026.

Akhter Ahmad, Secretary in the Election Commission and officials from Rajshahi Election Commission, Law Enforcement officials were also present at the workshop. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday had expressed concerns that their December election deadline may quietly pass away as the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is showing no indication of launching preparations for the polls. Some senior BNP leaders stated that nine months after the Yunus-led interim government came to power, there is still no talk about holding elections in the country.

Additionally, many controversial moves, such as allowing human corridors to Rakhine and outsourcing port operations, have raised serious doubts about the government’s true intentions. The leaders further mentioned that the party rank and file is exerting pressure to take to the streets in order to put pressure on the interim government to announce a clear election roadmap and hold elections this year. Local media reported that a BNP leader, wishing to remain anonymous, said the party fears that the ban on activities of the Awami League, increasing contradictions among the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are leading to unnecessary street protests, which might further complicate the political scenario in the coming days.

Further, the BNP suspects that the recent ban on the activities of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, Awami League, and the subsequent suspension of the party’s registration by the Election Commission are part of a larger conspiracy by local and international actors to prolong the power of the interim government.

“Every now and then, new issues are brought forward, reforms are dragged out, and the overall situation is kept in a state of flux. It appears to be part of a larger conspiracy to defer elections indefinitely,” a member of the BNP Standing Committee told UNB on condition of anonymity. “Our youth rally will be held on 28 May with a massive showdown in Dhaka. From that rally, the BNP will send out a strong message to the government not to unnecessarily delay the election,” said another BNP leader

-IANS

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The post Awami League Banned From 2026 Elections, Bangladesh EC Says Party Cannot Participate Under Current Restrictions appeared first on The Commune.

Comedian Shyam Rangeela’s bid for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat has been denied. He gained notoriety for his impressions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Originally from Rajasthan, he gained prominence after appearing on the Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2017. Despite being removed from the show for mimicking political figures like Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, he continued to pursue his comedic career. In 2022, he joined the Aam Aadmi Party in Rajasthan, although he did not hold any official position within the party. He reiterated his intention to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections independently against the Prime Minister earlier this month.

Despite filing his nomination as an Independent candidate on May 14 and sharing a video on X, his nomination was rejected for many deficiencies in his affidavit. However, his rejection has become a fodder for Congress, AAP and Leftist propagandists to unleash their propaganda.

A prominent YouTube propagandist named Meghnad exposed his ignorance when he peddled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not have 10 people proposing his candidature.

The Election Commission’s rules clearly states that individuals contesting from recognized parties need only one proposer, while independent candidates must provide a minimum of 10 proposers when filing nomination forms.

I don't see ten people proposing the nomination for Modi, like they are asking @ShyamRangeela even to procure a form.

also, multiple camera angles while filing nomination.

special treatment being given by @ECISVEEP clearly. what a bloody sham. https://t.co/iSkHcllsRw

— meghnad (Nerds ka Parivaar) (@Memeghnad) May 14, 2024

“I don’t see ten people proposing the nomination for Modi, like they are asking Shyam Rangeela even to procure a form. Also, multiple camera angles while filing nomination. Special treatment is clearly being given by the Election Commission, what a bloody sham,” Meghnad alleged in his tweet.

However, the Election Commission clearly mentioned that a minimum of 10 proposers is required for an independent candidate under the law and having more than 10 proposers does not pose any problem.

According to the EC regulations, individuals from recognized parties require only one proposer, as per Section 33 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, whereas independent candidates require 10 proposers while filing nomination forms, which is the category Shyam Rangeela, an independent candidate falls under.

Rabid Islamist and propagandist Mohammed Zubair of Alt News insinuated motives behind the rejection of Shyam Rangeela’s candidature.

As expected, Shyam Rangeela @ShyamRangeela's affidavit rejected. pic.twitter.com/qnm2CsJ0gb

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 15, 2024

Propagandist YouTuber Dhruv Rathee too peddled that Shyam Rangeela was not allowed to contest elections against PM Modi.

IS THIS A DEMOCRACY?

Varanasi: @ShyamRangeela not allowed to contest elections against Modi

Gandhinagar: 3 Candidates threatened and not allowed to contest against Amit Shah

Surat: 8 candidates withdrew and seat won by BJP without any elections

— Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) May 15, 2024

However, the District Magistrate of Varanasi clarified that Shyam Rangeela’s nomination papers were scrutinized in his presence was informed of the deficiencies.

“Your nomination paper has been cancelled because the affidavit submitted by you was incomplete and you did not take the oath/affirmation, a copy of the order of which has also been made available to you.“, the Varanasi DM said while responding to Shyam Rangeela.

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The post Why Was Stand-Up Comic Shyam Rangeela’s Candidature Rejected? Debunking Propaganda Of Leftists & Congress Supporters appeared first on The Commune.

The AIADMK led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, which is in alliance with the Islamist outfit SDPI, (political arm of the banned terror outfit Popular Front of India – PFI) has once again unleashed its Dravidianist tendencies.

In its latest political ad, the AIADMK has caricatured Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a saffron leader with the saffron colour shown in negative light, a trope used by DMK and Dravidianists.

The 39 second video ad shows PM Modi on a campaign vehicle holding a goat, a sly dig at BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, mocking his family’s goat-rearing background. PM Modi is caricatured speaking in broken Hindi.

“Aap ka vote hai, mera hai. Tamil moli pudikum.“, (Your vote is mine. I love Tamil language), says the man acting like PM Modi to which a member of the crowd responds saying “Ellam maalum ji. Enga Ayya Edappadi unga vandavalatha yellan LED la ethitaru” which translates to “We know everything ji. Our leader Edappadi has exposed you in LED”.

Another man from the crowd says that there’s no place for people who speak differently in different states.

The driver then asks “Ji, where next?” to which the caricatured saffron leader says “Drive to the airport. Let’s go.”

After this, there is a footage of four children dancing and chanting “Abki Baar Chocobar”, taking a jibe at BJP’s political slogan “Abki Baar 400 Paar”.

Then the goat is shown bleating to which the caricatured PM Modi says “Hey Aadu! Nee vera enaku sound-u kudukadhe. May mudinju June varatum. Meh Meh nu kathura nee, biryani than” which translates to “Let June come after May. You’re doing ‘meh meh’ now. You’ll be made Biryani.”

The ad released by the Palaniswami-led ADMK has not just mocked PM Modi but also negatively portrays saffron colour, a colour which is sacred to Hindus across India. This is seen as the Palaniswami-led ADMK’s apparent attempt to woo Muslim votes.

Also, the ad is in violation of the mandate laid down by the Election Commission of India.

The EC back in February 2024 had issued strict directives regarding use of children in any election-related activities.

“Political parties have been advised not to use children in election campaigns in any form whatsoever including distribution of posters/pamphlets or to participate in slogan shouting, campaign rallies, election meetings, etc.”, the ECI statement said.

The EC noted that the prohibition includes “use of children to create the semblance of a political campaign in any manner including use through poem, songs, spoken words, display of insignia of political party/candidate, exhibiting ideology of political party, promoting achievements of a political party or criticising the opponent political parties/candidates”.

“The Commission has conveyed ‘zero tolerance’ towards use of children in any manner during the electoral process by parties and candidates,” the EC had said.

The EC had also said that in case of any violations, the relevant district election officers and returning officers will be personally held liable, and this could result in “severe disciplinary action”.

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In recent times, social media platforms have become breeding grounds for misinformation and propaganda, often peddled under the guise of activism or journalism. One such instance is the blatant propaganda spread by “The Deshbhakt” YouTube channel’s Akash Banerjee. In his latest video on the recent resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, Banerjee pretends to “speak the truth” but he only shows one side of the story. Let’s dissect each claim made by Banerjee and bust his claims with facts. 

Claim 1: Allegations of Bias Among The Recent Election Commissioners

Banerjee alleges that past Election Commissioners (ECs) and Chief Election Commissioners (CECs) have displayed bias by affiliating with political parties. What he doesn’t tell the audience is that former CECs like TN Seshan and M.S. Gill had political affiliations especially, the fact that they joined the Congress after their tenures. TN Seshan fought in LS polls on a Congress ticket while MS Gill was selected by Congress as their candidate for the Rajya Sabha election from Punjab. Following a cabinet reshuffle in 2008, Gill was appointed as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

It is also alleged that Navin Chawla was closely associated with the Congress. The then-CEC N Gopalaswami had cited 12 instances to conclude that Chawla has not remained impartial in his role as Election Commissioner.

It seems Banerjee has not peeped into the past and only focused on the Modi years to make his video.

Claim 2: Allegations of Unfair Appointments of ECs and CECs

Banerjee alleges that the new law passed by the Modi government which gives the power of appointment of ECs and CECs to the Prime Minister compromises the independence and fairness of the electoral process. However, this assertion fails to acknowledge the established process and criteria for appointing ECs and CECs.

All 25 Chief Election Commissioners appointed since independence have been directly appointed by the Prime Minister of India. Approximately 20 out of the 25 were appointed by Prime Ministers belonging to the Congress party. It is not accurate to say that all elections held since 1950 were not free and fair. One can take the case of Navin Chawla himself and his alleged close links with the Congress that could have enabled him to be appointed as CEC. 

Banerjee did not mention that the appointment of ECs and CECs is governed by constitutional provisions and established norms, ensuring transparency and accountability in the selection process.

Before the enactment of the new law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, the President appointed the commissioners based on the government’s recommendation. It was customary for the most senior commissioner to be appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner. But Akash will not tell you that.

Banerjee goes ballistic at this point as if it is time for an apocalypse. He said, “Around 14-15 March, a high-level panel meeting will be held under the leadership of PM Modi. And you will get the names of two new election commissioners. This work has become easier for the government. The power is now with the Prime Minister that he should head that selection committee which will appoint a new election commissioner. Two other members are there in this committee One leader of the opposition, or the leader of the largest party, and a union cabinet minister. Meaning, that the PM and minister can decide and vote for their choice of election commissioner with a 2:1 majority. Supreme Court suggested a way to balance the appointment of election commissioner because free and fair elections should be conducted

The suggestion was a three-member committee – PM, CJI, and leader of the opposition or largest party But this suggestion was put in the dustbin And the Chief Justice of India was removed from the selection committee. Basically, the election that will decide the fate of any prime minister the person overseeing the elections will be chosen by PM Pro-level Fakiri is going on here.”

Claim 3: Allegations of Interference in EC Appointments by the Government

Banerjee alleges that recent changes in the appointment process for ECs undermine the independence of the Election Commission. However, a closer examination reveals a different picture.

The current law as mentioned above involves the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a Union Cabinet Minister in the appointment process aims to ensure representation and consensus across political parties. In its order, the Supreme Court instructed the government to include the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the Appointment Panel for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) until a new law is enacted by Parliament.

The Modi government however has expanded the appointment panel to include the Leader of the Opposition (LOP). In previous appointments, no input or suggestion was sought from any member of the opposition. But Banerjee will not tell you this. 

Blatant Propaganda by @TheDeshBhakt !!

*Lets Expose Him*

Claim 1 – He says ECs and CECs have always been non partial.

Fact :

– TN Seshan joined Congress and fought Loksabha Elections
– M.S Gill Joined Congress and became Minister
– Navin Chawla : He received land parcels… pic.twitter.com/RIvWdP8601

— Rohit (@Iam_Rohit_G) March 12, 2024

Claim 4: EC Ashok Lavasa & Family Harassed

Banerjee claimed that the former Election Commissioner (EC) Ashok Lavasa and his family faced harassment through repeated notices and income tax raids. However, what Banerjee did not tell you is why notices from the Income Tax Department were issued to Lavasa’s family – namely his wife and son. 

Lavasa’s wife Novel, came under scrutiny for alleged inconsistencies in her income tax returns related to her directorship in ten companies. 

Additionally, his son Abir Lavasa’s company, Nourish Organics, faced investigation over investments originating from Mauritius. Reports suggest allegations of favouritism towards certain private companies during Lavasa’s tenure in senior government positions between 2014 and 2017.

Banerjee towards the latter part of the video parrots Congress’s line – One Nation One Election One Election Commissioner. He says, “Actually, three election commissioners were appointed for this reason. Because the post of CEC is very powerful and the process of removing the Chief Election Commissioner is like removing a senior judge. It is very difficult and virtually impossible. That is why we need three Election Commissioners to keep the balance. But now we are back to one nation, one leader, one CEC, one election. One result will also come.”

Banerjee is probably not updated himself that news reports suggest that there will be 2 ECs and he mentions above that there will be one CEC, yes there has been only 1 CEC and two ECs in the past. Maybe he was not aware? News reports mention that by 15 March 2024, two ECs will be appointed.

On top of all this, Banerjee claims that Electoral Bonds is a scam and just a small part of the issue called Election Commission that has “weakened” over the past few years. Setting a negative narrative and how!

#ElectoralBondScam is just one part of the Democratic slide; bigger issue is how #ElectionCommission has been weakened over the last few yrs.
After #ArunGoel's sudden 'resignation', PM Modi will unilaterally choose 2 new Election Commissioners this week. – https://t.co/AWVTTXEELh pic.twitter.com/BE76em5sWv

— The DeshBhakt (@TheDeshBhakt) March 11, 2024

We hope Banerjee will read this and learn to speak the truth and not hoodwink his unsuspecting followers. 

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The post Debunking The Deshbhakt Akash Banerjee’s Half-Truths On The Election Commission appeared first on The Commune.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on 11 February 2024, demanding that the State Bank of India (SBI) disclose all details regarding electoral bonds purchases and mandating the Election Commission to reveal information about donors, amounts donated, and recipients, SBI requested an extension until 30 June 2024. However, the Supreme Court rejected this request and instructed SBI to provide the necessary information to the Election Commission by the end of working hours on 12 March 2024.

Subsequently, SBI submitted its data, and on 15 March 2024, the Election Commission complied with the court order by uploading the electoral bond details on its website. Following this disclosure, numerous individuals began analyzing the information, leading to the proliferation of fake news. One particularly perplexing piece of misinformation circulated by news channel alleging that a Pakistani company had purchased electoral bonds, particularly concerning given the context of the Pulwama attack in 2019.

Amidst this spread of fake news, DMK’s Official Mouthpiece, Kalaigar News, posted a news card on its official X handle, adding to the ongoing controversy that, “BJP received funding from a Pakistani company! After the Pulwama terror attack on 14 February 2019, it was revealed that on April 18,  the BJP had received donations from a Pakistani company called “HUB Power Company” in Karachi through electoral bonds! The BJP received the donation just days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in the Pulwama bomb attack.”

பாகிஸ்தான் நிறுவனத்திடம் நிதி பெற்ற பாஜக!#Pakistan #ElectoralBondsCase #ElectoralBondScam #ParliamentElection2024 #PulwamaAttack #pulwamaattack2019 #KalaignarSeithigal pic.twitter.com/k099tZ382x

— Kalaignar Seithigal (@Kalaignarnews) March 15, 2024

Here’s The Reality

Electoral bonds that was introduced in March 2018, were devised as a substitute for cash donations to political parties with the aim of enhancing transparency in political funding. These bonds were designated to be redeemed exclusively by eligible political parties through authorized bank accounts, with the State Bank of India (SBI) being the sole authorized bank for their issuance.

Looking into the qualifications for individuals who can purchase these electoral bonds, the Press Information Bureau website explicitly states, “As per provisions of the Scheme, electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person (as defined in item No. 2 (d) of Gazette Notification), who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.”

As the misinformation peddled rapidly, the independent fact-checking unit “Only Truth” swiftly provided clarification and debunked the false narrative through its official X handle stating, “Did @BJP4India receive a donation from a Pakistani organization? What is the truth? Hub Power company was started in 2008 in Delhi. This company is an all-India company that manufactures LED bulbs and Diwali decorative lights. Details in the link… What is the purpose of lying that the company that donated to BJP is from Pakistan?”

https://twitter.com/OnlyTruth2024/status/1768456713768980710

Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah elucidated the electoral bonds scheme, emphasizing its exclusivity to Indian citizens denouncing purveyors of misinformation through his official platform X that, “Hub Power Company is a proprietorship business entity registered in #Delhi ! Journos spreading #FakeNews it as a Pakistani Company should be ashamed to do so. Be educated that #ElectoralBonds can only be bought by either a citizen of India or a company incorporated in India.”

Hub Power Company is a proprietorship business entity registered in #Delhi ! Journos spreading #FakeNews it as a Pakistani Company should be ashamed to do so.

Be educated that #ElectoralBonds can only be bought by either a citizen of India or a company incorporated in India. https://t.co/EqrDssBpuH pic.twitter.com/wT1OOtWP7b

— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) March 15, 2024

Despite the reports of independent fact-checking unit ‘Only Truth’, along with concise explanations and evidence provided by SG Suryah, the Tamil Nadu BJP state secretary, an inundation of comments from internet users, including DMK’s preferred fact-checkers Mohammed Zubair and D-Stock Youturn Iyan Karthikeyan, have refuted these stories as fake news. The channel continues to maintain its news card intact.

தவறான தகவல். Hub Power Company டெல்லியை மையமாக கொண்டு இயங்கும் இந்திய நிறுவனம் தான்.

Archive Link:https://t.co/l7CmHa6V7j pic.twitter.com/a2C0M1egR1

— youturn (@youturn_in) March 15, 2024

Many are falsely claiming 'Hub Power Company' is a Pakistan registered company.
NO, it's a Delhi based company. pic.twitter.com/I5aeTbiEe7

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) March 15, 2024

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The post DMK’s Official Mouthpiece Peddles False Info That Pak Firm Donated To BJP appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has written a complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner of India regarding the distribution of widespread money for the Erode East by-election and “inaction” by the state election commission on a complaint regarding “blatant abuse of power by DMK govt” in the Erode East by-poll.

The complaint reads,”After the sudden demise of the Member of the Legislative Assembly from Erode East, the Election commission announced the date for the by-election for this constituency. The DMK government in power has no developmental works to their name despite being in office for the last 22 months and has pinned its hope on money to win this by-election.”

Referring to the incident in which DMK Minister KN Nehru and Congress candidate EVKS Elangovan’s planned to distribute money to Erode people were accidentally overheard in the microphone, Annamalai stated, “On January 29, 2023, we released an audio clip of DMK Minister Thiru KN Nehru avargal and DMK Alliance candidate Thiru EVKS Elangovan avargal discussing money distribution, modalities, the distribution center, and the deadline to get money distributed. In response to the audio, senior leaders of the BJP Tamil Nadu expressed our concerns about the conduct of free and fair elections to the State Election Commissioner and requested immediate action against DMK members for killing the spirit of democracy.”

He also stated that on February 11, 2023, election officials seized tokens from the car of DMK South Union Treasurer Sarbudeen in Tirupur district, which were intended to be distributed in the Erode East constituency, and that DMK members distributed 2 kgs of meat and ₹1000 per voter per day, with a ₹5000 incentive if the voter sat continuously in the designated place for 20 days.

He complained about the state election commission’s inaction, saying, “This is done on purpose to stymie the NDA candidate’s campaigning in Erode east. The State Election Commission has yet to act on the BJP Tamil Nadu’s complaint and has done nothing significant to prevent the ruling DMK government from abusing power. Sir, we respectfully request that you take immediate action to ensure a free and fair election in Erode East.”

The @arivalayam govt in power has unfurled the Thirumangalam formula and a representation on behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu has been submitted to @ECISVEEP today for the conduct of a free & fair election in Erode East. pic.twitter.com/kDboAjtDsK

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) February 14, 2023

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The post “Thirumangalam Formula In Erode East”: TN BJP Prez Writes To ECI About DMK’s Rampant Cash For Votes And Abuse Of Power appeared first on The Commune.